Chorus of nos begins to build against Jordan

Michael Jordan paused last week during workouts aimed at a comeback to the NBA and said, "I'm thirsty," the Tribune has learned.

Observers, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, speculated Jordan was thirsty.

The observers, whom Jordan told not to speak to reporters or they would be barred from drinking Gatorade the rest of their lives, said Jordan left the court and was seen emptying a liquid-filled bottle into his mouth.

One insider close to Jordan said: "It looked to me like he was thirsty. But I can't be certain. But if he was drinking, I'd have to say it was as good as when he played and he could drink like that again anytime he needs to."

This latest in a series of Michael Jordan comebacks to the NBA, believed to have a chance to surpass the number of "Rocky" sequels, has been curious on several levels. One, of course, is the CIA-type secrecy, which is more reminiscent of the old "Get Smart" spy spoof TV series where the two agents enter the Cone of Silence to avoid eavesdropping but cannot hear one another.

Jordan, the ultimate media creature of our society, has ordered players not to reveal details of his workouts and not to speak to reporters. Yet there is a steady trickle of comments that basically describe a 38-year-old onetime super athlete trying to get back into shape.

What is more interesting, however, is the growing chorus of basketball types who practically are begging Jordan to stay away.

I don't agree with them because no one should give up what they do best as long as they are capable--and productive. There is no question Jordan would be on both counts.

I wrongly assumed that would be the popular refrain.

Several members of the media have opined Jordan should stay away, that his time has passed and the NBA was moving on. No big deal, I figured, because this was the media, guys who don't live by words alone but often end up eating them.

Then I was on a radio interview show with Mychal Thompson, who played 12 years in the NBA after being the No. 1 overall draft pick in 1978. Thompson is a broadcaster in Portland and was adamant Jordan was well past his prime, trying pathetically to relive past glories and that the NBA would do quite well, thank you, without him. Thompson wondered if Jordan's life was so empty that at 38 he had to leave his family and play pro ball.

Another journalist on the program also wished Jordan wouldn't play again and said he hoped Jordan would remain in an executive position with the Wizards to provide the management/ownership role model that is so rare among African-Americans in major professional sports.

I think Jordan will play, although I often make the naive mistake of believing him. I remember the elaborate 1994 retirement ceremony at the United Center when Jordan's No. 23 was raised to the roof. At the news conference afterward, Jordan stared hard at reporters, told them to stop second-guessing him and said that should prove he never was playing again. And seven years later . . .

If Jordan plays, it will not be for Phil Jackson and not in a Bulls uniform, two things he said never would happen. Although it should not matter if that is what he wants. He's still good enough to contribute, and certainly entertain. He said he'll tell us in a few weeks.

Unless, of course, he doesn't.

What's becoming interesting about all this is the number of previously blind Jordan defenders who don't want this to happen--including so many of the young, developing stars in the NBA. It was no coincidence that none showed up to work out with Jordan. That group was just a bunch of veterans trying to work themselves back, like Tim Hardaway and Penny Hardaway, untested rookies and aging role players like Charles Oakley.

Last year when Jordan was committed to management, he was in Los Angeles seeing Jerry West and Jackson. After the game Kobe Bryant walked into the room where a big group was swapping stories through the cigar smoke. Jordan offered Bryant some tips on moves he should make and, although not rude, Bryant was direct. He told Jordan he had a good job.

"Stay right where you are, old man," Bryant chided with a smile. "You don't want to come down there anymore."

Jordan does. It's becoming a surprise how many don't want him to anymore.